BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, who had several productions in the pipeline when the COVID-19 lockdown was announced, says that the whole process of budgeting and releasing a film will change once this phase ends, keeping in mind social distancing and viewing habit of the audience.## Asked about how he is holding up amid the lockdown, the founder of Emmay Entertainment told IANS: "We had three films and six shows in the pipeline. Everything is on hold now. Arjun (Kapoor) and Rakul's film was on the floor. We were also shooting two films -- 'Satyameva Jayate 2' and 'Mumbai Diaries'. I am doing a post (production) of ‘Indoo Ki Jawani'."## "As a producer, of course, I am affected, but what I am trying to do is, instead of thinking negatively, I am working with my writers and developing scripts. I am trying to finish the post-production of those projects that we can be sitting in the house" shared Nikkhil.## Under his banner, Nikkhil delivered films like "D-Day", "Satyameva Jayate", "Airlift", "Batla House", and ‘Marjaavaan" among others. He has also produced the Netflix show "Hasmukh", featuring Vir Das.## Talking about one of the biggest problems the shooting process will face in near future, Nikkhil said: "Maintaining social distancing on a shooting floor is tough and that we have to incorporate in our lifestyle, in our work culture. From budgeting to promoting and processing of a film, everything is going to change post lockdown. I do not think the formula we were working with for long will be relevant anymore."## Citing an example, he said: "Even if we want to release a film, will people go to the theatre to watch it? Social distancing is one factor, home entertainment through OTT platforms is another. Of course, it is more convenient. From technicians to superstars, everyone has to sit down and re-evaluate. We are all going to look at it as ‘pre-COVID 19' and ‘post-COVID 19'. Nothing is going to be the same!"## Does he have any solution in mind? "We cannot fight the change. We have to change ourselves to deal with it. Every film cannot be an event film. There are high-budget, mid-budget, and small budget films. We plan the budget based on the subject and stars coming on board for the film. As the viewing habit of our audience is changing, we have to choose the platform of release and the story accordingly. That will surely change the budgeting of a film. The definition of stardom will also change. Running a production house is not easy, and all I am doing is preparing myself to deal with the new age that is coming!" Nikkhil signed off.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) "Vicky Donor" will always remain close to actor Ayushmann Khurrana's heart as it's his first film.## Released in 2012, the Shoojit Sircar directorial presented a light-hearted take on the taboo attached with sperm donation and artificial insemination. And according to Ayushmann, the film, which made him a household name, completely shaped him as an actor.## Reminiscing the movie's journey, Ayushmann said: "I will be forever thankful to Shootjit da for choosing me for 'Vicky Donor'. He gave wind beneath my wings, told an outsider like me that it was ok for me to dream, it was ok for me to chase my passion of being a Hindi film hero.## "'Vicky Donor' is my role of a lifetime for me and there are so many lovely memories attached to the film. This taboo-breaking film-shaped me as an actor and told people about my intent to do differential and quirky cinema that will stand out for its content."## Also, as the film is marking its eighth anniversary on Monday, Ayushmann will conduct a Twitter chat with Sircar.## "I have planned something really special. Shoojit da and I will go live on our social media and discuss the process of how 'Vicky Donor' was conceptualized by Shoojit da.## "We will also discuss several unheard anecdotes from the film's shooting schedule. It will be like a trip down memory lane for us and I'm looking forward to it," he added.## Ayushmann has since carved a niche for himself in the industry with projects like "Dum Laga Ke Haisha", "Bareilly Ki Barfi", "Shubh Mangal Saavdhan", "Badhaai Ho", "AndhaDhun", "Article 15" and "Bala". He will be next seen opposite megastar Amitabh Bachchan in "Gulabo Sitabo".## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) Superstar Salman Khan is again set to showcase his singing skills as he sung a song, titled "Pyaar Karona", aiming to cheer up people amid the coronavirus lockdown.## Written by Salman and Hussain Dalal, "Pyaar Karona" will be released on Salman's YouTube channel on Monday.## Sharing the news among his followers, Salman took to social media and wrote: "So I'm posting from my handle to let you know that tomorrow on my YouTube channel, mine kya? It's ours! A song out tomorrow on it, hope you can handle it."## Along with it, Salman shared the song's teaser video in which he is is seen singing, "pyaar karona, aitraat karona."## Music composers Sajid and Wajid have composed the track.## Apart from this, Salman has been seen creating COVID-19 awareness among people through his videos on social media.## Recently, he came out with a very serious message for those who have violated the COVID-19 lockdown. He even called the violators "jokers".## Salman is currently self-isolating at his Panvel farmhouse.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 18 (IANS) "Joker" star Joaquin Phoenix was almost cast as Batman way back in the nineties.## After George Clooney's 1997 outing as the caped crusader in "Batman & Robin" flopped, "Black Swan" director Darren Aronofsky was tipped to direct a new Batman film, and Phoenix was his first choice for the role.## Aronofsky said that he wanted to re-invent Batman and suggested Phoenix as the leading role, reports aceshowbiz.com.## "The studio wanted Freddie Prinze Jr. and I wanted Joaquin Phoenix. It was a different time. The Batman I wrote was definitely a way different type of taking than they ended up making," Aronofsky tells Empire of his plans for "Batman: Year One".## He added: "The Batman that was out before me was 'Batman & Robin', the famous one with the nipples on the Batsuit, so I was really trying to undermine that, and reinvent it. That's where my head went."## However, Aronofsky's vision of Batman never got realized because the project never went into production.## Nearly a decade later after "Batman & Robin", Christopher Nolan would revive the caped crusader with "Batman Begins" in 2005, the first of his genre-bending "Dark Knight" series of blockbusters. Christian Bale essayed Batman and his alter ego Bruce Wayne in Nolan's trilogy.## Meanwhile, the title "Batman: Year One" has been used for an animation film, released in 2011 and directed by Lauren Montgomery and Sam Liu.## While Ben Affleck played Batman in "Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice" and "Justice League", Robert Pattinson will be taking the role in Matt Reeves' upcoming film "The Batman".## Earlier this year, Phoenix bagged an Oscar for playing Batman's nemesis the Joker in Todd Phillips' 2019 hit "Joker".## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) Actress Kangana Ranaut has come up in support of her sister Rangoli Chandel, whose verified Twitter account was suspended recently over a controversial post.## Kangana's sister and manager Rangoli's post was reported by several people who considered it a hate tweet.## The actress shared an Instagram video message on Saturday where she says if anyone can find a tweet where Rangoli says anything offensive, "then we both will publicly apologize for ".## "My sister Rangoli Chandel had specifically mentioned that people who have attacked doctors and police personnel should be shot dead," Kangana says in her video message, adding that celebrities like "Farah Ali Khan Ji and Reema Kagti Ji made a false allegation" that Rangoli's comment was community-specific.## The actress added that she and her sister did not believe that every person "attacking doctors and cops" belonged to any particular community.## Kangana also took a dig at Twitter for blocking her sister's account. "I know the nation is going through a lot right now but we have to find a way to completely demolish these (social media) platforms and start our own platforms," she said.## Towards the end of the video message, the actress referred to a controversial video of wrestler Babita Phogat. "I saw Babita Phogat ji's video today. The way she is being harassed, I would request the central government to provide her security in this hour," she said.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) The historical show "Jhansi Ki Rani" is returning to the small screen after 11 years, to boost optimism and motivation among viewers during these challenging days of COVID-19.## A tale of an ordinary girl who went on to become an extraordinary ruler, "Jhansi Ki Rani" narrated the life story of Rani Lakshmibai, whose persistent resistance against the British Rule remains a story of inspiration for all.## Actress Ulka Gupta essayed the younger version of the brave warrior in the show.## "I feel really blessed to have been a part of the show. The love that I have received for playing Lakshmi Bai has been overwhelming and I am really delighted that the character is back once again to entertain the audience," said Ulka.## "'Jhansi Ki Rani' is a tale of strength and bravery that is sure to ignite a spirit of courage amongst all of us at a time when we all need to stay strong and fight this concern just like the true warrior Rani Lakshmibai did," she added.## The show also starred Kratika Sengar as Rani Lakshmibai.## The audience can revisit the tale of this young warrior starting April 20 on Zee TV.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) The romantic drama "2 States", starring Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor was released six years ago on this date and highlighted the feel-good romance of a Punjabi boy and a Tamil girl.## on Saturday, Arjun spoke to real-life couples who were culturally opposite and yet found common ground in love, noting that love was the most unifying emotion.## " '2 States' is and will always be one of the most special films of my life and on its sixth anniversary, I'm trying to do something really special. For me, love is the most unifying emotion and it transcends all barriers. I will be highlighting some really special, real-life love stories on my social media," Arjun said.## "2 States", an adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's bestseller novel of the same name, was directed by Abhishek Varman.## "I will be speaking to some couples who come from poles apart from cultural backgrounds but have found their pure love to be the perfect glue between them and their contrasting families. These couples truly highlight the spirit of our film's core messaging - 2 states, One love and I can't wait to speak to them and tell you all more about their fantastic love stories!" Arjun said.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) Actor and former "Bigg Boss" contestant Ajaz Khan has been arrested for allegedly making objectionable remarks in a Facebook post.## The actor was arrested by Khar Police Station on Saturday after he made some objectionable comments during a Facebook live session, according to a report in timesofIndia.com.## The police have reportedly charged Ajaz with hate speech, defamation and violation of prohibitory orders.## This is not the first time the police have taken action against Ajaz, who shot to fame participating in "Bigg Boss 7". Last July, he was arrested by Mumbai Cyber Police for posting objectionable videos promoting communal hatred.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) Popular comedian Bharti Singh and her screenwriter husband Harsh Limbachiyaa have conceptualized and created a show called "Hum Tum Aur Quarantine", an on-air series of gags. Bharti says she and her husband have divided roles and responsibilities for the shooting of the show, and they are working in sync to deliver entertainment to viewers amidst this lockdown.## "We have divided our chores at home, so if I cook he helps with the cleaning. Similarly, we've divided roles and responsibilities for the shooting of 'Hum Tum Aur Quarantine'. I love experimenting with looks so I have happily taken over styling and hair and make-up for both Harsh and myself, so you can see that is the reason why we both look so good onscreen," Bharti said.## The show, which airs on Colors, gives the audience a glimpse into the quarantine life of the actors from its popular shows like "Choti Sarrdaarni", "Shakti Astitva Ehsaas Kii", "Naati Pinky Kii Lambi Love story" and "Pavitra Bhagya".## From sharing their experiences, cooking for each other, discussing the current issues, playing virtual antakshari, dancing together, to going on balcony dates, the actors' lockdown diaries are aired as snippets during the primetime slot.## "Bharti is amazing with the technical aspect of Hum Tum Aur Quarantine. But since she feels that I don't do any work at home at all, she makes sure that I direct the series, shoot it, handle other series-related stuff and the equipment that we need to set up and fix every time we begin. However, Bharti does add her own tadka in the scripting and makes the scenes even more fun. It's definitely an experience we both are enjoying together," Harsh said.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 18 (IANS) Singer Sam Smith says he may have contracted the coronavirus two weeks before the lockdown began in the UK.## Smith's sister exhibited symptoms, and in a new interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, the "Stay With Me" singer said they caught the infection even though he was never tested, reports aceshowbiz.com.## "I know I have it, 100 percent have it. I'm just going to assume that I did because everything I've read completely pointed to that. I think I definitely had it. And then as soon as I had it, my sister five days after me started getting the same symptoms who are living with me, he said."## The two then self-isolated for three weeks to make sure they were clear of the virus.## "It was clear. Because I've got an older nan (grandmother) and stuff, so we didn't want to risk anything. I got it about two weeks before the U.K. really hit. Well, I think I got it. I don't 100 percent know, but I got it and then as everyone was kind of really on lockdown, that's when I got over it, luckily."## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) Actress-politician Hema Malini and poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar have condemned the attack on a medical team and the stone pelting at an ambulance in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad earlier this week.## Calling it "utterly disgusting", Hema Malini tweeted on Saturday: "Friends, I'm sure u must have read abt/watched how our brave corona warriors have been attacked in certain pockets with stone-pelting causing severe injuries to them. Docs, nurses, policemen, none are spared! Utterly disgusting! These ppl are sacrificing so much-treat them with respect."## The actress also shared a video message in Hindi, where she says: "This kind of behavior is not expected during the second lockdown. Just a couple of days ago, some people attacked an ambulance, pelted stones and spat on it. You should be ashamed. Please save some amount of humanity within yourself."## "Corona warriors are risking their lives to help us stay safe in this dangerous situation. Those who are attacking Doctors, health workers, police force and journalists should be taught a lesson. We are alive due to corona warriors please don't forget this. I would request the administration to take strong action against the offenders," she added.## Javed Akhtar also took to Twitter on Saturday to condemn the incident, calling it a "matter of great shame".## He wrote: "I can't imagine how ignorant one has to be to attack those who are at the risk of their own lives are out there to save other lives What has happened in Moradabad is a matter of great shame I request the educated people of that city to somehow contact and educate such ignorants."## On Wednesday, a mob in Moradabad's Nawabpura area tried to stop a medical team from taking a novel coronavirus-infected man into isolation. They hurled stones at an ambulance injuring one doctor and three paramedics. A police vehicle was also damaged in the attack.## Seventeen persons, including seven women, were arrested after the incident.## Earlier, Bollywood personalities like producer Ashoke Pandit, filmmaker Onir and actress Swara Bhasker condemned the attack.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 18 (IANS) Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan made a four-year-old boy's birthday extra special by sending him a special message.## A social media user took to Twitter, where she shared a video of her toddler son talking about her favorite actor Hrithik.## She captioned it: "Sir @iHrithik My son Ved turns 4 today. He is a big big fan of yours and thinks himself as you . If you could please wish him, he will be extremely happy. Here is his fan moment just for you."## To which, Hrithik replied: "Too sweet. Belated birthday wishes to Ved...all my love."## Amid lockdown due to coronavirus, Hrithik has decided to provide 1.2 lakh nutritious cooked meals for those who are unable to provide for themselves in these times of COVID-19 lockdown.## Hrithik has also provided N95 and FFP3 masks for the BMC workers and caretakers.## Stay tuned...